Elon Musk transforms his AI into Ani: a virtual anime girlfriend who flirts with users.

Elon Musk continues to add new features to Grok . After announcing the arrival of a smarter, more capable version of the AI last week, the company behind it, xAI, has shared the addition of a new trick that allows the machine to be turned into a sort of virtual companion. Among the available options, in addition to a red panda named Rudi , designed to be a sort of pet, the user can find a virtual woman, with an anime aesthetic, designed to act as a digital girlfriend. The machine's name is Ani , and it is available for free through the Grok app. Also available in Spain.

The companion has been available since the beginning of the week. Her design is very reminiscent of the character Misa Amane in the popular manga and anime "Death Note." When you start talking to her, you'll hear her address you in English, but if you don't know the language and prefer to switch to Spanish, no problem; just ask, and she'll begin speaking to you.

Conversations can be either voice or text. Ani will respond to anything you ask her. Basically, it's a kind of ChatGPT designed to flirt with the person on the other side of the screen.

Users who also pay for a Grok subscription, which costs €35 per month, will have more resources at their disposal when chatting with avatars. Among other things, they can access a feature that allows them to ask the female robot to remove her clothes and put on lingerie instead. This is similar to what has long been possible in other AI bridal apps, such as Replika. However, for Ani to reach this level, the user must first earn her trust and reach level 5, something that is only possible through conversations.

Grok will soon be adding new virtual companions for users to use. The next to arrive will be the male version of Ani, who will be named Valentine , as Musk himself recently announced.